Rue’s bracelet hootenanny is a third of the way through today – and some of the bracelets are getting down there in price. We are excited to see if any hang around long enough to go below $100! But at the same time, a few people have already emailed when a piece goes to express their regret at not having snapped it up. It is a quandary – buy, or wait? Isn’t this fun? Anyway, as you probably know already, Rue loved American Indian Jewelry, and she possessed a fabulous collection of old pieces. This is one of her Navajo cuffs, and it is marked with the silver-smiths initials inside – “T.K.W.” We did a little research and it turns out this particular silver-smith is well known among American Indian Jewelry Collectors; his name was Tim Kee Whitman and he lived and worked in Arizona. This vintage cuff is a fine example of his work. We initially thought it was turquoise and corral, but we learned that the red stones are actually called “Spicy Oyster.” Isn’t that perfect? If Rue were still here we’d start calling her “Spicy Oyster,” it just seems so fitting! The cuff is over half an inch thick at the center and then it tapers down to about 3/8″. There are five of the big turquoise pieces and eight spicy oyster stones. Of course, we are leaving the piece as-is, with the natural patina, and the new owner is free to choose whether to polish it up or not. Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Stay Tuned…

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We aren’t quite sure which project Rue used this chair on, but we know she had it for years in the yard of her Manhattan apartment. The canvas has a little discoloration along the edge, and the stain is worn off the arms in some spots from frequent use, but it is still solid and there are no rips. The back is embroidered with Rue’s name. Comes with the frame and panels shown, and a Certificate of Authenticity from Estate of Rue.

Of course, Rue hung on to the dress and earrings she wore to the Primetime Emmy Awards in 1987, and she also hung on to the Emmy Award she took home that magical night for “Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series.” All three items are part of this package and they come with an 8 1/2” x 11” framed glossy photograph of Rue in the dress, wearing the earrings, and holding her Emmy. See clip here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1g7oY1Xw-g (Rue was miffed Howie mispronounced her name – twice!).

$999,999.99

(You didn’t think we were seriously going to sell Rue’s Emmy, did you?)

First of all, only Rue McClanahan would keep her thumbtacks in such a beautiful wooden box. Second, only Rue McClanahan would own a thumbtack holder that could be called “suggestive.” Keep in mind, Rue was never overtly sexual or in any way crass or vulgar – Betty White, on the other hand… but that is another story. Anyway, Rue kept this box of thumbtacks in her office – she was always pinning something or another up on the bulletin board behind her desk – and whenever she would ask for someone to hand her a thumbtack and let them know they were in the box, as soon as they would pull the drawer open she would casually remark: “Isn’t that an interesting box? It always reminds me of something, but for the life of me I don’t know what.” It never failed to make us all roar with laughter. Yes, we all are 12-year olds at heart! Rue’s suggestive thumbtack box comes with a Certificate of Authenticity from Estate of Rue.

This is a very difficult piece to let go of because it was one of Rue’s prized possessions, but Rue’s son intends to follow his Mother’s final wishes and make ALL of her personal property available to her fans – except family items of sentimental value that he selected. Bea Arthur had this sterling silver and 14kt gold pin custom made for her friend Rue McClanahan way back during the “Maude” years. Both their friendship and their working relationship continued for many more years – the friendship until Bea died, in fact – and there were many more gifts exchanged during that time, but Rue said this was the one she cherished most. There was something about a talented, professional like Bea recognizing and setting down in silver and gold that she thought Rue was a star that really touched Rue’s heart. The pin measures 1″ x 1.5″. We’ll include prints of some of Rue’s personal photos showing the two ladies together and a Certificate of Authenticity from Estate of Rue.

Rue loved nothing more than a musical evening with people playing piano and other instruments and singing together while everyone gradually got totally blasted. Oh, wait, we didn’t mean “blasted” necessarily, but you understand. Many of her friends had real talent, too, and could sing like angels and play like virtuoso. Some of her friends however, ahem, like me, could NOT sing a note or play anything, and so she kept percussion instruments around. That way we could be a part of the fun. This carved wooden frog was kept near or on top of Rue’s piano so it was always available to hand to the dork in the corner who couldn’t sing or play. The piece measures 5.5″ tail to nose and it comes with a Certificate of Authenticity from Estate of Rue.

(By the way, it makes a really cool sound, too, when you slide that wooden stick up and down the frogs back!)

These red velvet lounging pajamas are over-the-top! How glamorous can anyone be? It is almost required that one walks around carrying a martini in an up glass when you wear something like this! We suspect Rue wore these in a theatrical production because the draw string was pulled out and an elastic waistband sewn in, which is usually what a costumer will do to facilitate the quick changes needed on the stage. The two-piece outfit was made by “The Pajamagram Company” and it comes with a Certificate of Authenticity from Estate of Rue.